ICC needs to modify its constitution

Lahore, Nov 16: The cricket lawmakers believe the ICC needs to modify its constitution to curb the menace of match-fixing.

Lord Alexander Weedon, chairman of the oldest and most prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), told Dawn in an exclusive interview that although his organization was only involved in reframing and revision of the laws, he didn't think the ICC was the competent authority to suspend or ban players accused or guilty of corruption.

"As I understand (the law), any decision of the ICC effectively serve as recommendations to the individual cricket boards who then have to decide whether they accept those suggestions."

On the suspension of the players, Lord Alexander said the standard of proof needs to be very high "because once it comes to the potential finding of the guilt, it can ruin the player's career and reputation."

He said suspending a player merely because a person has accused him of foul play without any sufficient proof would carry the risk of being unfair to the accused player and to his country.

He said he has been a great admirer of the people of Pakistan and enjoying every minute of his visit. He said he has been keenly following the Pakistan players.